Belper train death: police watchdog appeals for witnesses

Michael Broomhead

The police watchdog is appealing for witnesses after the death of a teenager who was hit by a train while being followed by officers.

Mitchell Rodgers, 16, died near Belper railway station at about 9.50pm on Saturday, March 28.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has handed out leaflets and spoken to people near the station as part of its probe.

An IPCC spokesman said: “The investigation is ongoing and investigators are in the process of reviewing CCTV and are preparing to interview potential witnesses.

“Investigators have been in contact with the boy’s family and are updating them on the progress of the investigation.”

The investigation was mandatory because Mitchell had “brief contact” with officers immediately before his death, the watchdog added.

The fanatical skateboarder, of Bentfield Road, Nether Heage, died as a result of head injuries and had to be formally identified by tattoos on his fingers, Derby coroners’ court heard during the opening into his inquest.

Mitchell was a pupil at Denby’s John Flamsteed Community School.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IPCC on 0800 096 907 or email belper_inv@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk